The Government of the Republic of Gambia has disclosed its intention to undertake a study tour of Nigeria’s foremost intervention agency, the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund).
The Gambia’s Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, Hon. Prof. Pierre Gomez led a delegation to the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Sonny Echono at the Fund’s Headquarters in Abuja.
Speaking during the visit, the Gambian Minister stated that the purpose of the visit was to inform the Executive Secretary about the establishment of Gambia’s Tertiary and Higher Education Trust Fund ( THET Fund), a replica of Nigeria’s TETFund and to seek the Fund’s assistance and cooperation during a study tour that officials of THET Fund will embark on to Nigeria soon.
He revealed that the Gambian authorities have over the years followed the activities of TETFund closely on the Fund’s website, its social media handles and other media platforms, and found it necessary to establish a similar agency in order to support higher institutions in the country.
Gomez emphasised the need for effective collaboration between both agencies specifically in the areas of research and capacity development, noting that it would further strengthen diplomatic ties between Nigeria and Gambia, particularly being neighbours in the West African region.
While welcoming the team, Echono expressed appreciation to the Gambian Education Minister and his entourage for the visit.
He gave a brief account of the history of TETFund, noting that its status has over time transformed from when it was originally established as Education Trust Fund, ETF.
Echono informed the delegation that the establishment of TETFund arose from the critical crisis that faced the tertiary education sector over three decades ago, which necessitated the federal government and other critical stakeholders to come up with an alternative source of funding for the institutions.
He stated that until the introduction of the new Development Levy by the President Bola Tinubu administration in 2026, TETFund’s source of funding was a three percent Education Tax on the assessable profits of companies registered in Nigeria, and only public tertiary institutions are enlisted as beneficiaries.
While highlighting some achievements of the Fund over the years, the Executive Secretary emphasised that interventions are targeted at solving critical needs of institutions which include essential physical infrastructure for teaching and learning, instructional materials and equipment, research and publication, academic staff training and development and any other area that is critical and essential for the improvement and maintenance of standards in the higher educational institutions.
A statement by TETFund’s Director, Public Affairs, Abdulmumin Oniyangi,stated that other members of the Gambian delegation include Ms. Isatou Auber, Permanent Secretary, MoHERST, Dr. Samba Sowe, Deputy Permanent Secretary, Technical, MoHERST, and Ms. Ndey Anta Taal, Project Coordinator, CPCU, Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs.
(The Whistler)